Getting Ready for a Big BLUE Flip

I've decided to begin this week's newsletter with a brief account of Outrageous Stuff. That segment is followed by a preview of our Grassroots North Shore plans for the coming elections. So you, dear reader, can choose your own topics and methods of resistance. Here goes.

Outrageous Stuff

Tax Reform: It isn't completely a done deal yet. Besides screaming expletives at the TV, you can call your representatives in Congress (here's the number for the Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121). If you want to know what actions make a difference, try this article in Wired. Make your messages personal. If you want a sneak peek at how your own circumstances might change, try the NYTimes online.

Environment: Trump's move to shrink two National Monuments — Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears — has prompted Native Americans and environmental/conservation groups to begin filing lawsuits. Probably the most effective way to support these efforts will be to send money. I'll bring you information about where you can donate as soon as I can.

Alabama Special Election: Yesterday, IQ45 (aka "our *president") decided to expose himself (sort of) and forthrightly endorse for Senator from Alabama a man who is a known supporter of segregation and an alleged child molester. The Republican National Committee promptly reinstated its fundraising agreement with Moore (though apparently it is providing a mere $50k and no field staff to the campaign). As the Washington Post points out, "the underlying facts have not changed.... What changed is Trump’s mind." You can help by donating a few bucks, of course. Or call people you know in Alabama to get Jones supporters out to vote on Tuesday, Dec. 12. I don't know if there is any way to help by phoning from here, but I will find out and send a special email if it can be done.

Mueller Investigation: This spreading garbage fire is taking up a lot of media time and attention. The latest turn reveals the Presidential Transition team's knowledge of Flynn's numerous calls to Sergey Kislyak in Dec. 2016. Those calls intended to influence Russia's position on a UN resolution and to urge Putin to refrain from retaliating against new sanctions the Obama administration was imposing. It seems that nearly everyone at the top of the organization was in the loop. See the NYTimes account. Now there's a raging debate about whether the Logan Act, the law prohibiting private citizens from negotiating policies with foreign governments, might be used to indict some of the folks clearly caught in the act. Stay tuned.

Grassroots North Shore's Action Plans for 2018

You're no doubt aware that Wisconsin will be holding FOUR elections in 2018:

February 20: primary for nonpartisan races (Supreme Court, some Circuit Court positions, some local offices like Village Trustees and the like);

April 3: nonpartisan general election;

August 14: partisan primary, including Governor, Senator, US Representatives, Wisconsin Senate, Wisconsin Assembly, and a host of local offices;

November 6: partisan general election.

In addition, there is a special election taking place in Assembly District 58 (in Washington County) on January 16. The seat is vacant and a strong progressive Democrat, Dennis Degenhardt, has stepped up to run. I don't need to remind you that elections are where resistance and actions pay off. Elections have consequences. All of them.

Virginia, New Jersey, and Oklahoma have been flipping seats from red to BLUE. Surely we can too! So here's a preview of what Grassroots North Shore will be working on, with your help and participation:

Phone banking support for Dennis Degenhardt;

Phone banking, canvassing, house parties and perhaps text messaging focused on three Assembly districts with wonderful Democrats running to defeat incumbent Republicans: Christine Rahlf running against Robert Brooks in the 60th; Emily Siegrist running against Jim Knodl in the 24th; Andy Lamb and perhaps one or more other Dems taking on Jim Ott in the 23rd.

Working with Supermarket Legends and the League of Women Voters to register voters and help with photo ID issues;

Organizing drives to put yard signs in strategic places to support the campaigns that will be our focus.

Supporting all the other races at the national, state and local levels to turn Wisconsin blue again!

You can be sure we will be contacting you, asking for participation in these actions, as the year rolls along. But we'd love you to sign up on our volunteer page now and indicate what activities most appeal to you.

And we're excited to be starting a Book Club to discuss topics that will provide us talking points to move our Community and our Country forward. We need to keep energized for the work ahead! This program is co-sponsored by Citizen Action of Wisconsin. Here is our first topic.

Concerned about skyrocketing inequality in the U.S.? Much of it comes down to the pervasive "neoliberal" economic and political agenda that is currently driving our country far to the right. But what is neoliberalism? Why is it hurting our families and communities? And how can we stop it? Please join us in a two hour book discussion focused on the book Runaway Inequality by Les Leopold and find answers to these questions and more! Sessions will begin in January.

When will we meet and how can you sign up? Sessions will begin in January. We plan to hold multiple sessions to accommodate all who want to attend. After you RSVP we will contact you with a choice of dates and times (daytime, evening or Saturday morning will be available). The group will meet at the Grassroots North Shore Office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Road, Suite 116. Sessions will be small group discussions in a Book Club format and facilitated by a leader to get discussion started. We ask that you read Runaway Inequality in advance. It’s a fast and straightforward read.

Open to all, so invite your friends - members and nonmembers are encouraged to attend! RSVP by January 5 by emailing Norma Gilson. Norma will send you a Doodle poll so you can pick your desired dates.

Tue Dec 5, 2017

Mexicans in Wisconsin Author Event, 6pm - 6pm Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Mitchell St., MilwaukeeFrom agricultural and factory workers to renowned writers and musicians, the Mexican immigrants who have made their homes in Wisconsin over the past century have become a significant and diverse part of this state's cultural and economic history. The author of Mexicans in Wisconsin Sergio M. González, is a doctoral candidate in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of History.

Poisoned Water Film, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., WaukeshaThe film Poisoned Water will show what exactly went wrong in Flint--and what it means for the rest of our country. Small snacks and drinks will be provided. Sponsored by OFA. RSVP. Contact Info: Jennifer Byrnes.

Wed Dec 6, 2017

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., MilwaukeeWeekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

YWCA Presents an Evening to Promote Racial Justice, 5pm - 8pm Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water St, MilwaukeeAn Evening to Promote Racial Justice is a celebration of community leadership that provides the opportunity to speak openly about racism. You will hear and learn from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a Detroit native, ordained Baptist minister, current Georgetown University sociology professor, who has taken the nation by storm with the publication of his most recent book, Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America. Eliminating Racism award winner Monique Liston and Empowering Women award winner Dawn Helmrich will also be celebrated at the event. Sponsor: YWCA of Southeast WI. Tickets: $60 general admission; $25 students. Register. For more info, email Trenlan Krueger, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, or call 414-267-3205.

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 6pm Cudahy Library, 3500 Library Dr., CudahyGrass Roots South Shore will hold its monthly meeting. DPW Regional Organizer Jake Spence to talk about strategy for our local priority races and plans will be made for the January 2018 Election Volunteer Kickoff event next month. Grass Roots South Shore meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Social Rejection Documentary, 7pm - 9pm Wheeler Auditorium, Dominican High School, 120 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish BayThe feature-length documentary REJECT takes an in-depth look at the science of social rejection. The film was originally inspired by 30 years of work by a resident psychiatrist in a maximum-security prison. He witnessed a clear connection between the experience of rejection and physical pain and how this could often lead to acts of violence. Sign up.

Food Not Bombs Meeting, 6:45pm - 9:45pm 601 E. Wright St, MilwaukeeMilwaukee Food Not Bombs is having its first meeting: a potluck at Resonance Collective (upstairs of the Pink House Studio in Riverwest; please enter thru the Booth Street side door and head up the stairs). Please, if you are able, bring a vegan//vegetarian dish to share, along with your ideas and enthusiasm! This is a sober event. Sign up.

Op-ed Writing Workshop, 9am - 4:30pm Wisconsin Voices, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Suite 112, MilwaukeeThe Progressive Media Project, with the support of the BRICO Fund, invites you to participate in a FREE op-ed writing workshop. Learn how to effectively communicate your ideas as an op-ed writer; receive editorial and op-ed placement support from The Progressive magazine’s editorial team; and understand how to use social media to get your published op-ed in front of a larger audience. The workshop is free. Breakfast, lunch, transportation and accommodation expenses are covered as well. More information and registration. Contact: Jess Pernsteiner, 608-257-4626.

Human Rights Day Event, 12pm - 5pm City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., MilwaukeeHuman Rights Day is observed internationally each year (on December10th) to commemorate the day the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The theme of this year’s Human Rights Day is “Stand Up for Someone's Rights Today!” Hear about the work being done to address the needs in our City and to find ways to get involved and advocate for other communities in need! Stop in throughout the day to hear speeches, visit community resource tables, and enjoy snacks and desserts from around the world! Free and open to the public. Hosted by City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission. Sign up.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm Highway 100 & North Avenue, WauwatosaStand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Stress and Trauma Forum, 12pm - 4pm Rapkin Auditorium, Aurora Sinai, 945 N. 12th St., MilwaukeeWe know a lot more about the impact of stress and trauma than we did 50 years ago. Both can cripple communities and individuals for decades if not addressed and treated. What is good mental health? What can ACE scores show us regarding our mental health status? Participants will explore these topics and try to find solutions. Sponsored by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Free event. Registration and schedule.

Dana Wachs Fundraiser, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 2217 E. Kenilworth Pl., MilwaukeeWinter fundraiser for Dana Wachs, Democratic candidate for governor. Dana will be present to share his vision for moving Wisconsin forward, the challenges and opportunities he sees for our next governor and to answer any questions you have about his campaign. RSVP.

Our Revolution MKE Meeting, 6pm - 7:30pm African American Women's Center, 3020 W. Vliet St., MilwaukeeOur Wisconsin Revolution-Milwaukee will hold its December meeting. Special guest speaker will be Earl Ingram, host of a morning talk show on WRRD 1510AM. Doors open at 5:30 pm for refreshments, and networking. Program starts at 6 pm: guest speaker presentation followed by a Q&A, update on our organizing and collaboration efforts in Milwaukee and applicable updates from the state board, announcements, and more networking. RSVP (and request child care).

Tue Dec 12, 2017

Visioning Session on Youth (Re)Engagement, 4:30pm - 6:30pm McGovern Park Senior Center 4500 W. Custer Ave., MilwaukeeThe Milwaukee County Office on African American Affairs invites the public to “Youth (Re)Engagement." After an initial briefing on the session topic, participants will split into small groups to provide input and envision a more just Milwaukee. Facilitated by theZeidler Center for Public Discussion. Free & open to the public. Space Is limited. Register.

Conversations on Race, 6:30pm - 9pm Brown Deer United Methodist, 5736 W. Brown Deer Rd., Brown DeerConversations on Race is for people who are ready to discuss how we are approaching racial issues both personally and systemically. It is a time to learn about the fears, angers, prejudices, systemic privileges and spiritual power that we each hold. With the events in Charlottesville we will continue our discussion of White Supremacy and its impact every day in American culture and life. Led by Lisa Jones and Joe Masterson. This event is open to the public and is handicap accessible.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., MilwaukeeIt's Drinking Liberally MKE's Non Denominational Holiday Shindig! Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we're going to need to get through the next four years. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

Refuel the Resistance, 5pm - 8pm Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., MilwaukeeWeekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Safety Training Announcement Party, 6pm - 8pm Candela's Banquet, 2537 W. National Ave., MilwaukeeCitizen Action of Wisconsin has received funds from the federal government to train employers and employees of the Latino community in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin in general to make workplaces safer for everyone. Come to the party to learn more about this opportunity and how you can register for a training! RSVP.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West AllisDrinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Waukesha Writers Club, 6:30pm - 8pm 336 Wisconsin Ave., WaukeshaThe "Letter to the Editor" section is one of the most widely read parts of the newspaper, offering a chance to reach a broad audience. Letters to our legislators are also an effective way to let them know what we expect of them. Working together gives us the opportunity to discuss the current issues, improve writing skills, develop persuasive techniques that target intended readers, and help each other with ideas and suggestions. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha (email).

Fri Dec 15, 2017

4th CD Holiday Party, 6pm - 6pm Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., MilwaukeePlease join us for a holiday party to support the Democratic Party of Wisconsin 4th Congressional District and Milwaukee County Democratic Party. Tickets. Questions? Please email or call (414) 758-1261.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm Port Washington Road & Silver Spring Drive, GlendaleStand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, 8pm - 10pm Comedy Sportz Theater, 420 S. 1st St., MilwaukeeDecember is a special time. A time when conservatives like Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump pretend there is a war on Christmas. Laughing Liberally Milwaukee, a monthly progressive political comedy show featuring some of Milwaukee's top progressive comedians, decided to make that a reality with their War On Xmas Comedy Extravaganza. In addition to some of the finest progressive comedians Milwaukee has to offer, each Laughing Liberally Milwaukee will feature a special interview with a local political figure, journalist or activist. This month's guest is Molly Collins, Associate Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. Advance tickets ($8).

Beer, Bingo, and Ballots!, 6pm - 8pm AFSCME Milwaukee District Council, 3427 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USAWisconsin’s future is up for grabs. In 2018, Wisconsin voters will decide who our leaders will be, including our state’s governor. Scott Walker and his crew have taken a wrecking ball to the pillars of this state -- we’re practically governed by corporations and their political toadies. Our new campaign -- Wisconsin’s Choice -- is bringing voters together to exercise our power by calling on candidates to apply to deliver on the issues that matter to every day Wisconsinites. It’s time to start getting to know the candidates. The Democratic field in the governor’s race is crowded and we need to know more before we select our Wisconsin’s Choice candidates. Come hear candidates Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, Matt Flynn, Andy Gronik, Mike McCabe, State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, and Ramona Whiteaker (all Democratic candidates have been invited; list in formation). RSVP.

This website is provided by the Grassroots North Shore, a Wisconsin PAC, Dean Sperry, Treasurer. It is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee. Contributions to Grassroots North Shore are not tax deductible.